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Cumbria's football hooligans must surrender passports

Cumbria's football hooligans must surrender their passports to stop them travelling to the World Cup.

Police say thugs subject tosoccer banning orders have to hand over the travel documents on June 2, which will stay under lock and key until the day after the tournament ends.

The warning comes as Cumbria police continues its overall preparations ahead of the competition in Brazil, with thousands of fans expected to pack pubs and clubs for games such as England’s opener against Italy in a mouthwatering clash that does not start until 11pm.

Officers say Cumbria has eight football banning orders in place, with six of these applying to followers of Carlisle United. Two others are in force in Barrow.

The orders are civil measures designed to make it easier to keep hooligans away from football stadiums and tournaments such as the World Cup.

Detective Constable Andy Wright said: “The legislation for Brazil is that the control period begins 10 days prior to the first fixture on June 12, which is June 2.

“Those who are banned will be required to surrender their passport at the relevant police station in Barrow or Carlisle on that date for the duration of the tournament.

“They can collect it again on July 14, the day after the final. This is irrespective of England’s progress.”

DC Wright added: “In previous years they have had to report to police stations on the day of England fixtures.

“However, this is not the case and hasn’t been for the last two major tournaments.”

Police say if passports are not handed in, the hooligan in question will be in breach of the banning order and will be arrested.

Officers in Carlisle are preparing to put out extra patrols in the city centre for all the matches featuring England.

The team’s first group match against Italy is on Saturday, June 14

Officers said they are working with doorstaff and pub landlords to make sure the tournament is enjoyable and safe.

Police said as many as 10,000 people were out in Carlisle city centre as England began their campaign at the last World Cup in 2010.